I am aware that at a meeting of the European Parliament Committee on Development and Co-operation held in Dublin in May 1990 some concern was expressed by an Irish non-governmental organisation (NGO) about a condition applying to an EC co-financing scheme to the effect that only viable projects, capable of developing to a point at which they can operate without further outside assistance, should receive EC funding. It was argued that this condition made it difficult to secure co-financing of aid for the poorest populations.
This condition applies to projects cofinanced under the EC Budget Heading 9410 which aims to help disadvantaged people in developing countries who normally do not benefit from official intergovernmental co-operation. It has applied since this form of co-operation was initiated in 1976. Moreover, it is one upon which NGOs themselves are generally agreed. There are very many projects which do come within the requirements of the scheme. These have been very successful and the EC Commission does not wish to divert their funds to other purposes. Other budget headings are available to provide assistance to groups which do not meet the requirements of Budget Heading 9410. These include provisions for food aid and humanitarian aid.
In the circumstances I do not feel that any initiative is required by the Government.
